5 fun activities to check out around Metro Vancouver for Family Day 2017

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      The weather forecast is predicting sunny skies with a small chance of showers for the weekend, but any break in the clouds is good enough for us.

      This year’s Family Day takes place on Monday (February 13), giving us a much deserved long-weekend.

      Not sure what to get up to with the entire brood? We suggest leaving the house and checking out everything from Brazilian culture to gondola rides to petting zoos.

      Here are five things to do around town on Family Day this year. 

      Museum of Anthropology

      Museum of Anthropology at UBC (6393 NW Marine Drive)

      MOA will be hosting two different events on Sunday (February 12) in light of Family Day, and visitors will be able to learn about different aspects of Brazilian culture.

      A Capoeira workshop (Afro-Brazilian art form) will take place at 11 a.m., giving families a chance to embrace traditional song, live music, and Brazilian dance.

      At 1 p.m., an educational performance with acrobats will teach guests about Brazilian culture and history.

      Admission to these events varies, and more information can be found here.

      Grouse Mountain

      Grouse Mountain (6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver)

      In celebration of B.C.’s fifth annual Family Day, Grouse Mountain will be offering access to its snowy slopes for 50 percent off all-day on January 13, 2017.

      Some of the special activities taking place at the peak of Vancouver includes a charity pancake breakfast (proceeds go to North Shore Rescue), meeting Cleo (the mountain’s resident barn owl) at the chalet, indulging in treats at the sweet station, and shooting pucks at the skate pond.

      Of course, you could also enjoy some skiing or snowshoeing on the mountain.

      Commercial Drive

      Commercial Drive (Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood, Vancouver)

      Otherwise known as Vancouver’s “Little Italy”, the Drive will be hosting its second annual Family Day celebrations at Britannia Ice Rink (1661 Parker Street) from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

      There’ll be balloon twisting, face painting, craft-making, family caricature portraits, and skating—all free of charge.

      The fun extends to merchants on the Drive, offering special discounts on meals, books, bowling, shopping, and more.

      Lonsdale Quay Market

      Lonsdale Quay Market (123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver)

      This North Shore destination will be offering something for both the young and old during the Family Day long-weekend.

      On Saturday (February 11) from 10 a.m. to noon, there will be a petting zoo (by donation) on the East Plaza featuring goats, sheep, lambs, a miniature horse, and more. Face painting and balloon twisting (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) will also keep the kids (or adults who are young at heart) entertained.

      On Monday (February 13), there will be a Family Day market featuring local crafters, artisans, and the Lonsdale Artisan Farmers’ Market—the beginning of a series of winter pop-ups.

      Burnaby Village Museum

      Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby)

      Although this Family Day activity takes place at a museum, guests won’t actually have access to the historic open-air village. Instead, families will be able to enjoy some time at its iconic carousel between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m ($6.50 per person, $5.85 per member).

      Unlimited rides will be available, as well as children’s art activities, heritage games, and a children’s entertainer to keep the energy levels high.

      Drop-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is recommended to avoid disappointment—we can guarantee that the kids won’t be happy if they’re turned away at the entrance. 

      Follow Tammy Kwan on Twitter @ch0c0tam and Instagram @ch0c0tam.

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